Pvt Hosps Seek 1% Interest on Delayed Ayushman Scheme Reimbursements

Over two months after its formal launch, the Ayushman Bharat scheme is struggling to gain traction among the city's private hospitals.

- ASHISH SRIVASTAVA @ New Delhi

Major healthcare institutions such as Fortis, Gangaram, Max, Apollo, and BLK continue to stay away from the scheme, citing unresolved legacy issues, including low reimbursement rates and persistent delays in payments.

Since its rollout on April 10, only 26 new healthcare facilities have joined the scheme. Officials have confirmed that, of the total 93 empanelled hospitals, 67 were already conducting procedures prior to the formal launch. With more than 1,200 private hospitals operating in the capital, the numbers reflect a lack of enthusiasm that healthcare experts attribute to both structural and financial shortcomings.